British Columbians now rank housing, poverty and homelessness higher than the economy on their list of concerns.

The previous instalment in the Business in Vancouver-Insights West B.C. government report card series showed the economy as B.C. residents’ No. 1 concern. Results in the updated report card represent the first time in three years that the province’s residents have picked housing, poverty and homelessness as their top issue of concern.“I think it really speaks to the situation that we’ve had over the past few months, especially over the past few months: discussions about realtors, discussions about foreign ownership,” said Mario Canseco, vice-president of public affairs at Insights West. “Whoever can connect on that file is going to tap into a lot of dissatisfaction.”The debate about the role of foreign investment in the Metro Vancouver housing market has been heated, with real estate economists saying capital outflows from China are landing in B.C. real estate and driving up prices, while the real estate industry and provincial government have pinned the problem on a lack of supply.B.C.’s robust economic performance compared with other parts of the country, especially Alberta, could be one reason survey respondents weren’t as concerned about jobs and the economy this time around, Canseco said, noting the economy is “the best-rated file for the Liberals, but not by a lot.”

However, a healthy economy makes the preoccupation with housing even more curious; 71% of British Columbians said the government had done a bad job on the housing file.“If the situation has been going so well on the economic front, why are so many residents concerned about housing, poverty and homelessness?” he said.Aside from housing, poverty and homelessness, the current government also scored low on accountability, with 67% giving the provincial government a failing grade, while 62% said the Liberals have done a poor job of handling education.The BC Liberals have faced embarrassing stories about donors paying $20,000 in return for a private meeting with Premier Christy Clark and a $50,000 “stipend” Clark receives from the BC Liberal party that comes out of taxpayer funds.

Clark’s disapproval rating sits at a relatively high 59%, while 34% of British Columbians approve of her performance.That’s not entirely surprising for a premier who has now been in office for five years, Canseco said.Opposition leader John Horgan of the BC NDP has an approval rating of 40% and a disapproval rating of 28%, but Canseco said he is still failing to make much of an impression on voters.And poll results show that many voters still don’t know much about Andrew Weaver, the lone Green Party MLA.The next provincial election is still a year away, and making an emotional connection with voters is going to be key for Horgan, because he will be carving out a stance on natural resources when the BC Liberals will be keen to paint the NDP as the “party of no.”

“Can you find a way to deal with that message and say we’re not necessarily saying no, given the situation we’ve had over the last couple of years – and the report from the auditor general certainly helps them – we think there’s a better way to do things in this province?” Canseco asked, referring to the auditor general’s May 3 report that criticized the government’s ability to protect the environment from damage caused by mines.@jenstdenjstdenis@biv.com

CAMPBELL RIVER – People in need of shelter in Campbell River will continue to have a safe, warm place to stay until the end of June 2016.

The B.C. government is providing $60,000 to extend operations at the 16-bed temporary winter shelter at 1251 Cypress St.

Campbell River Family Services will continue to operate the shelter.

The Province is also taking the following steps to support homeless individuals in the community:

Providing $70,000 for outreach services to help connect individuals who are homeless to appropriate supports, such as mental health and addictions services, in the Campbell River area;

Supplying 10 rent supplements to the John Howard Society to connect those in need to more stable and long-term housing.

The $130,000 in funding is in addition to the $68,000 the Province provided last year to operate the shelter from November 2015 to the end of April 2016.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing –

“The Province is extending winter shelter operations in Campbell River because we understand the importance of providing a safe, warm place to sleep. The opportunity for people struggling with homelessness to access supports gives them a greater chance to turn their lives around and get off the streets permanently.”

Mayor Andy Adams, City of Campbell River –

“The City of Campbell River is extremely appreciative for the continued support of the Government of B.C. and for extending funding that directly supports those who are the most vulnerable and in need in the community. We look forward to working collaboratively with our provincial partners to find long term sustainable solutions.”

Camille Lagueux, executive director, Campbell River Family Services –

“This past winter we were able to provide shelter to 16 individuals per night throughout the season. We are grateful to receive additional funding from the Province to continue providing shelter beds for vulnerable members of our community.”

Quick Facts:

Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.4 billion to provide affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families.

This year, more than 102,500 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.

Last year, the Province invested over $3.7 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 700 households in Campbell River.